van stock

[finn]

hi all just starting up as mobile upvc repairs/ locksmith , would like to know how many different size cylinders i should carry and what are the most common sizes, is the tempest key cutting machine ok for a mobile locksmith ,
thanks for any help based in ireland

[EmCee]

Assuming that you're asking only about cylinders used in uPVC doors, in an ideal world you carry all the sizes, in Euro and oval profiles, double and single, brass and satin finishes. Yes, that's a lot. With experience of your local area you might discover that there are some common sizes, but that'll still leave you with a lot of less common sizes that are still used in the area.

Forgetting the 'ideal', all you can do is spend as much as you can and increase stocks as you build up your business. Having all the sizes means you can fit a new cylinder of correct size and finish in one visit. If you don't have the right size/finish you will have to return when you've ordered one - that's something you might have to live with to start with, but it obviously affects the profitability of the job based on your hourly rate.

Cheers...

[Ray D]

been fitting doors and locks in Ireland for the last 7 years most PVC doors are standard sizes. wooden doors usually have standard night latches on them some with mortise locks. have notice a lot off people only have 2 lever mortise locks on their front doors cause there cheap its shocking cause they are so easy to pick so i upgrade them i carry a lot of 5 lever mortise locks . what i done is speak to your local builders merchants and they will tell you what locks sizes and makes they sell a lot of if you know them well or have an account with them work out a deal get one of each lock maybe 2 or three of the most common work on a sale or return basis and get good discount

[Rickthepick]

I would keep at least a pair of each size you can get hold of, sometimes you will be required to change all the locks in a home, if all the doors were installed by the same firm you will usually find the cylinders are all the same dimensions.

Worst case scenario you can fit a slightly larger cylinder with it protruding inside slightly.

I carry 3 cases of euros just to be sure, iv been to a few jobs where the last 'locksmith' was sent packing as he didnt have the right locks to fit.